Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives Recipe

Blue cheese stuffed olives are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that you can easily make for your next gathering.

These flavorful bites hit all the right notes with a harmonious blend of salty, tangy, and briny flavors.

This recipe is a simple yet impressive choice for when you’re looking to entertain friends and family.

You’ll find that blue cheese-stuffed olives require just a few key ingredients, making them a stress-free addition to your menu.

Pitted green olives serve as the stars of the show, with their robust taste complimenting the rich, bold flavor of blue cheese.

To enhance the dish further, you can customize the recipe by swapping blue cheese for creamy goat cheese or using a milder option like gorgonzola.

With minimal preparation, you can create this luxurious appetizer in no time.

It’s an elegant addition to any party spread and is sure to leave your guests impressed and satisfied.

Dive into this recipe and discover the ease and versatility of crafting blue cheese-stuffed olives for your next event.

How to Make Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

Ingredients List

To prepare blue cheese-stuffed olives, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 ounces of blue cheese
• 24 large green olives, pitted
• Heavy cream
• Optional garnishes: cracked black pepper, diced parsley

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Prepare the blue cheese mixture.

In a food processor or mixing bowl, combine the blue cheese and a small amount of heavy cream.

Blend or beat the cheese until it is smooth, creamy, and easy to pipe.

Step 2: Transfer the mixture to a piping bag.

Make sure the bag is fitted with a plain round tip.

You can also use a plastic bag by cutting a small hole in the corner.

Step 3: Remove pits from the olives.

If you don’t have pre-pitted green olives, use an olive pitter or a cocktail pick to remove the pits, making sure to maintain the olive shape as much as possible.

Step 4: Stuff the olives.

Gently pipe the blue cheese mixture into each olive, being careful not to overfill them.

A small amount of cheese should be visible at the opening of the olive.

Step 5: Garnish and serve.

If desired, you can sprinkle some cracked black pepper and diced parsley over your blue cheese-stuffed olives.

Store them in your refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them.

Use toothpicks for easy handling, and enjoy!

Side Dishes for Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

When you’re planning to serve blue cheese-stuffed olives at your next gathering, it’s essential to have complementary side dishes that will elevate these savory appetizers.

Here are a few excellent side dishes that will go well with your blue cheese-stuffed olives:

Charcuterie Board

A well-curated charcuterie board is an ideal partner for blue cheese-stuffed olives.

Select a variety of cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and soppressata to provide contrasting flavors to the creamy tangy blue cheese in your olives.

Add different textures with crackers, sliced baguette, and crusty bread.

Don’t forget to include fruits like fresh grapes and dried apricots for a touch of sweetness.

Cheese Platters

Blue cheese-stuffed olives pair perfectly with a cheese platter.

Choose an assortment of cheeses, ranging from mild to strong, such as Brie, aged Cheddar, Gouda, and of course, additional blue cheese.

When presenting your cheese platter, include accompaniments like honey, fig jams, or apple slices.

These additions will balance the bold taste of the blue cheese and enhance your guests’ experience.

Roasted Almonds

An easy yet delicious side dish that complements blue cheese-stuffed olives is roasted almonds.

Their crunchiness and slightly sweet flavor will contrast well with the creamy pungent blue cheese.

You can roast almonds in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, tossing occasionally, until they are golden brown.

Optionally, season them with a pinch of salt or your choice of spices.

Cheese Tray with Crudites

Introduce a refreshing crunch to your appetizer table with a cheese tray and crudites.

Arrange sliced cheeses alongside fresh, crisp vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.

You can also add cherry tomatoes, radishes, or endive leaves for additional color and flavor variety.

Serve alongside a variety of dips, such as hummus or tzatziki, to give your guests alternative options for enjoying their blue cheese-stuffed olives.

Having these side dishes alongside your blue cheese-stuffed olives will create a balanced, enjoyable, and flavorful experience for you and your guests.

Ingredients Substitutes

While blue cheese is the star in blue cheese-stuffed olives, there are several alternatives and substitutes you can use to switch up this recipe and adapt it to your preferences.

Here are a few options:

Cream Cheese

If you’re not a fan of blue cheese or want a milder flavor, you can use cream cheese as a substitute.

This versatile cheese is smooth, creamy, and easy to blend with other ingredients.

It will still provide a delicious, rich taste for your stuffed olives.

Goat Cheese

Another option is to use goat cheese as a substitute for blue cheese.

Goat cheese has a tangy, creamy flavor that is both distinct and delightful.

This substitution will give a unique twist to the traditional blue cheese stuffed olive recipe while still maintaining a creamy, smooth texture.

Black Pepper

For those who want to spice up their stuffed olives, freshly cracked black pepper is an excellent addition.

Adding black pepper to the cheese mixture will give it an extra kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Garlic Cloves

For a more savory and aromatic twist, consider adding minced garlic cloves to the cheese mixture.

Garlic pairs beautifully with both blue cheese and the aforementioned substitutes, providing an extra layer of depth to your stuffed olives.

Cream Cheese Mix

Although we’ve already mentioned cream cheese as a substitute for blue cheese, it’s worth noting its versatility even further.

Use cream cheese as a base and mix it with other ingredients, like minced garlic, herbs, or even bits of bacon, to create entirely new flavors.

By exploring these ingredient substitutes, you can customize blue cheese stuffed olives to match your personal taste or dietary preferences, elevating your appetizer game to new heights.

How to Store Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives

Storing your Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives properly is essential to maintain their taste and freshness.

There are different storage methods that you can use, depending on your preference and needs.

Airtight Container

Using an airtight container is one of the best ways to store Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives.

Make sure the container is clean and dry before placing the olives inside.

Seal the container tightly to keep air and moisture out, which helps preserve the olives for a longer period.

Store the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Zip-Top Bag

Another effective storage method for Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives is a zip-top bag.

Place the olives in a zip-top bag, ensuring there is minimal air inside.

Squeeze out any excess air before sealing the bag, then store it in the refrigerator.

This method also allows for easy access when you want to enjoy your olives or serve them as a snack.

Whichever storage method you choose, it is essential to keep the olives refrigerated to maintain their quality.

Checking the olives periodically to ensure they’re still in good condition is also recommended.

Remember that Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives are best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume them within the recommended time frame for optimal flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives.

Overstuffing the Olives

While it may be tempting to fill the olives with as much blue cheese goodness as possible, overstuffing can cause the cheese mixture to seep out and make it difficult to eat.

Use just enough filling to give the olives a satisfying burst of sharp flavor without overwhelming the taste or losing the structural integrity of the olive.

Not Drying Olives Properly

Before you stuff the olives, make sure to dry them properly.

Pat them with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

Drying them will ensure the cheese filling adheres properly and makes the overall experience more enjoyable.

Choosing the Wrong Cheese

Not all blue cheeses are created equal.

Some varieties are milder than others, and choosing one that doesn’t have the desired layer of flavor can make your stuffed olives less appealing.

Rogue Oregon blue cheese or creamy Gorgonzola cheese are popular choices with a satisfying taste that blends well with the olives.

Mashing the Cheese Filling

When preparing your blue cheese filling, avoid mashing it too much.

This can lead to a dense and less appetizing final result.

Instead, gently mix the cheese until it achieves a soft, workable consistency suitable for piping into the olives.

Skipping the Piping Bag

Using a piping bag ensures a clean and efficient stuffing process for your olives.

Skipping the piping bag and attempting to stuff olives with a spoon or other utensil can result in an uneven filling and a messier presentation.

Remember these common mistakes to avoid, and you’ll be on your way to creating delicious blue cheese-stuffed olives that everyone will enjoy.